What is a Hot Stone Massage?

Posted: January 30th, 2013

A hot stone massage is a traditional massage that incorporates the use of warmed stones. The type of stones are used are basalt, which are smooth and flat, and able to absorb and retain heat. Prior to use, these stones are placed into a stone heater. The stone heater contains water that is heated to a certain temperature. When the stones have reached the desired temperature, they are removed and placed on certain areas of the body or used by the massage therapists as tools to work on the muscles.

What are the Benefits of a Hot Stone Massage?

The hot stone massage has many benefits. The hot stones placed directly on the muscles which helps to relax them. When the muscles become relaxed, a massage therapist has better access to the massage recipient's deeper muscle layers. During a hot stone massage, blood vessels become expanded, which promotes blood flow throughout the body. Hot stone massages are very relaxing and help to relieve stress, tension, chronic pain, muscle aches and spasms, and helps to increase joint flexibility and mobility.

Who Should and Should Not Get a Hot Stone Massage?

Almost anyone can benefit from a hot stone massage. A person who feels stress, has aching muscles, or just to treat themselves to something relaxing, a hot stone massage can be benefiting and relaxing. Someone who suffers from a chronic health condition such as arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, fibromyalgia, depression, or even insomnia are all conditions that plague a person in which a hot stone massage can be beneficial. Someone who should not receive a hot stone massage are those who are pregnant, suffers from a heart condition, are diabetic, have high blood pressure, taking certain medication, particularly blood thinning medications, or those who may be menopausal.